The Perfect Latch

Just as with breastfeeding, the perfect latch is critical to success.


When you pump, you need to be sure you have a proper latch in order to maximize your production, minimize your time investment and avoid roughing up your delicate nips.


Some pointers:

• be sure you have the right flange size - yes! they can vary in size! Your nipple should fit comfortably in the neck of the flange; it should not be squeezed and it should not have space around it (see below, courtesy Medela):

• when you start pumping, make sure your nipple is parallel to the neck of the flange, as depicted above. If it is sideways or crooked, you will have decreased efficiency
• start on a lower speed and increase once your milk has let down to a comfortable level. you do not need to pump at maximum speed / strength - this can make for some very tender nipples!!
• you should feel "tugging" on your nipples, but under no circumstances should you feel pain. consider a lower setting if you experience discomfort during or after pumping

If you have the perfect latch, but your nipples are only being slightly stimulated, check that your pump is attached properly:

• is the flange airtight to your breast?
• is your nipple properly centered in the flange?
• are the pump membranes in place?
• are you missing any pieces
• are the hoses airtight?
• is every piece snapped in place properly?

Do the Math: A Cost Analysis of Expressing v. Formula-Feeding

I don't think anyone would disagree that breastfeeding from the breast is cheaper than formula-feeding.

But what about us Expressive Moms who bottle-feed breastmilk? Is there still a cost-advantage?

I did a cost analysis (what? I am a business-woman and an MBA candidate) focusing strictly on financial figures and found the following:

Cost to be an Expressive Mom:

• 100% expressing: $423
• Expressing + 1x Bottle per day Supplement: $608

Cost to formula feed for one year:

• Generic brand formula: $749
• Brand name formula: $1,258

If you continue to feed your baby breastmilk until age two (as recommended by most health organizations other than the US government), you can save an additional $178 by not buying whole milk.

Notes and assumptions:

• Calculations were made on average feedings, based on this chart (which have been quite accurate, according to my experience).
• I assumed ZERO waste ... as in every drop of every bottle is consumed. Remember, formula goes bad after an hour, so this is likely a VERY conservative estimate.
• Growth spurts were not accounted for - and it's been my experience that consumption can increase by as much as 20% during growth spurts!
• I used the largest containers of powder formula for this analysis - they are the cheapest - so the figures inflate for different sizes, pre-made, portable variations.
• Included in 100% expressive figure are Medela brand hands-free breast pump, storage containers, cleaning wipes, and freezer bags. These are definitely some of the more expensive items, so costs can be cut further by using cheaper brands (ie. Lansinoh, Simplisse, etc)
• Supplementing 1x bottle per day uses generic powder formula costs
• Assume feeding 16 oz of whole milk from age one to two per day, with a cost of $3.89 per gallon
• Cost for bottles, nipples, bottle cleaners, and anything else related to bottle-use are the same for expressing and formula-feeding, so they are not reflected in these figures.

Generic formula used for analysis was CVS Milk-Based Powder Infant Formula 0-12 Months (cost: $15.49 // 23.4 oz). Brand name formula used for analysis was Similac Advance EarlyShield Powder with Iron (cost: $25.79 // 23.2 oz). 

... and, remember if you have more than one baby the costs decrease with each child, since pumps and containers are reusable!

Free Nursing Cover-Up & Washable Breast Pads!

If you enter the code "breastfeeding" or "WTE" you can get a free nursing cover-up and free washable breast pads (4x packs - 10 pair!). You have to pay shipping and handling, but it's a fraction of what these would cost at retail.


https://www.uddercovers.com


I got the cover-up that I use from here ... I balked at having to spend nearly $40 USD on the thing, so I simply couldn't resist this offer. It works just fine, covers what it needs to and isn't too heavy or bulky. This is the one I have:

The breast pads are on back order, but I'll be doing a full review of disposable v. washable in a later post.